| 1. | In the Gorgias Socrates argues that no one "would prefer
doing injustice to suffering injustice." (474-5) See excerpt
(or use your favorite translation). Explicate and critically discuss his
argument for this claim.
Graduate students: In addition, explain how Socrates' account here fits, or conflicts, with that which Aristotle's views in the Nicomachean Ethics.
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| 2. | Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics Book IX, chapter 8
claims that "the good man should be a lover of self."
Explicate and critically discuss his argument.
Graduate students: In addition, explore Aristotle's account in IX.4 of whether a person should be a friend to himself.
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| 3. | Aristotle in book V (chapters 11) of the
Nicomachean Ethics
addresses the question of whether a man can treat
himself unjustly.
Explicate and critically discuss position on this issue
and his arguments for it.
Graduate students: In addition, explain how Aristotle's account volunary and involuntary actions fits, or conflicts, with his position here.
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| Note: For this assignment you need not use any materials apart from those in the class texts -- indeed you are encouraged not to. However, no matter what sources of information you use -- even the textbook -- be sure to make adequate attribution (e.g. in footnotes). You are expected to do your own work. Use of unacknowledged sources (e.g., books, web sites, friends, tutors, other papers) for this assignment constitutes cheating. |
This paper should be submitted electronically to rlee@uark.edu. Submissions after the due date risk incursion of a penalty for lateness.
Please put your name on your paper. Be sure also to indicate (by number) at the top of the first page which of the topic you are writing on.